Under colonial rule, traditional rulers were often restricted in their powers, including their ability to raise armed forces, impose taxes or install or remove chiefs. However, they generally retained their roles as spiritual leaders, which was an important aspect of their traditional authority.
Other limitations imposed on the traditional rulers by the colonial masters include:
Chiefs barred from forming an army
No power to impose taxes
No power of legislation
Governor to sanction the enthronement of chiefs
Barred from Settling inter-tribal conflicts through war